Autism Services Guide

Aspire Child & Family Services provides comprehensive Autism services across the lifespan. From diagnosis in our clinic (ADOS testing) through assessment and treatment, our clinical experts are ready to work with clients to help them reach their full potential. Our Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) department serves children under the age of 21, and our Office of Developmental Programming (ODP) serves adults over the age of 21 on the Autism waiver. Our IBHS division offers support in the home, school, and community and our ODP division offers support in the home and community.

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is an assessment tool used to diagnose Pervasive Developmental Disorders, including ASD. The ADOS assesses communication, social interaction, and play using a variety of assessment materials (e.g., toys). 

The assessment takes about 30-45 minutes during which the client is engaging in a variety of activities with a clinician. The clinician collects data on the client’s behavior and uses an algorithm to determine the presence of any developmental delays. 

Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS)

A parent, legal guardian, or child over the age of 14 may refer or be referred for an evaluation to determine the most appropriate level of behavioral treatment needed (see Evaluation). All clients will go through a screening and information gathering session, usually by phone. If deemed appropriate through the screening process, the client will be scheduled for a Biopsychosocial Evaluation to be completed with a Licensed Psychologist or Psychiatrist. 

Office of Developmental Programs (ODP)

A parent, legal guardian, supports coordinator, or the individual themselves may refer or be referred for services through the adult Autism waiver. All clients will go through an information gathering session to ensure that Aspire has all of the required documentation to begin providing the recommended services. 

If the client is deemed through the screening process to be a candidate for IBHS, a Biopsychosocial Evaluation will be scheduled and conducted by a Pennsylvania Licensed Psychologist or Psychiatrist. The results of this evaluation will determine the level of services/support needed for the individual to reach their fullest potential. The assessment is conducted face-to-face with the individual and involves a variety of methods to collect information (e.g., interviews, records reviews, etc.). The goal of the evaluation is to determine levels of services/support while ensuring a least restrictive environment; therefore, referrals may be made to receive IBHS or another treatment (e.g., outpatient therapy, residential treatment facility, etc.). 

There is no cure for ASD, but with the right provider of behavior therapy, your child can make great strides in areas of deficits.  The days of ‘Autism means you can’t learn’ are behind us. Treatment can help make the symptoms of ASD manageable, improving the lives of clients and their parents.

Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS)

IBHS are largely based on the fundamental principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA is an evidence-based treatment approach with focuses on reducing maladaptive behavior (e.g., disruptions), strengthening socially significant skills (e.g., functional communication), and is the only generally accepted treatment for individuals with ASD. ABA is a widely versatile therapy which has shown success across multiple populations (e.g., ASD or behavioral disorders) age groups (e.g., child or adult), and environments (e.g., home, school, and community). The success of ABA interventions has been well documented over the past 50 years and has changed the lives of both individuals and families. 

IBHS can also focus on mental health treatment, such as emotion regulation.  If you or your child is eligible for IBHS services, he/she will be assigned some or all of the following staff: 

• Behavioral Consultant (BC): responsible for conducting assessments and developing a treatment or behavior support plan (BSP)  to assist both the individual and their caregivers with managing challenging behaviors and training replacement behaviors
• BHT: responsible for the direct implementation of the treatment plan or BSP in the home, school, and community settings
• Mobile Therapist (MT): mental health clinician responsible for working with the client, and his/her family, by discussing emotions,conflict, etc. 

Office of Developmental Programs (ODP)

If an individual is eligible for ODP services through the Adult Autism Waiver, Aspire provides the following services: 

• Behavioral Supports: Our master’s level clinicians will develop strategies to support the participant through a behavior support plan (BSP) to be included in the individual’s ISP.
• In-home and community support: Provided in the home and community setting, participants will be assisted in acquiring, developing, improving, and maintaining skills necessary to live independently, function in the community, and live a meaningful, everyday life.
• Family/Caregiver Training and Support: Our professional counselors will provide training and counseling services. 
• Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: Behavioral Consultants (BC) for clients diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services are master’s level clinicians who collaborate with the client’s treatment team to write individualized treatment plans based on their client’s unique behaviors, environmental variables, goals, and assessment results.